Audiovox VBP-5000
DVD/VCP Mobile Video System 5.6-inch LCD

I purchased this unit with the intention of using it in addition to the two LCD screens already installed in my vehicle. This seemed like the product of choice when it came to finding a unit with both DVD and VCR capabilities. It comes with AC and DC adapter, s-video connectors for the screens, straps, and a nice carrying case. The screens can be placed on the back of a car headrest, held in your hand, or attached to the base unit facing forward or backwards. The base unit is a little bulky so don’t forget to strap it down.

I use the system all the time for 8 hour road trips between Minneapolis and Kansas City. My two-year-old is happy and quiet the entire trip watching all of his favorite DVD’s and VHS tapes. It even lets me run the sound directly through the car stereo for surround sound capabilities, although the built-in speaker system is quite adequate, even above the road noise and everything else. I also like the fact that you can adjust the brightness of the display from the side of the screen as this comes in handy when the time shifts from day to night.

More perks...

Not only can you play BOTH DVDs and VHS tapes, but you can play BOTH of them at the SAME TIME. One on one screen and one on the other! Add an external device like a PlayStation or Xbox and you with another screen you have three happy travelers all watching their own movie or playing their own video game at the same time. You select the video source via a slide switch on the front of each screen. Of course you can also play CDs etc if you want.

You can listen to the sound either through the speakers, headphones, or as I mentioned before, through the car stereo given you have a set of RCA inputs for your stereo (or any other adapter to a number of connections). You can use these sound outputs individually or in combinations to suit your needs.

The base unit fits just perfect between the front seats of most truck style bench seats with the unit resting on the console and mounts pretty well between your average captain’s chair minivan and SUV front seats. The cords are long enough that you could probably locate it in a lot of places. The carrying case is nice and holds two screens and all accessories.

Another perk is that you can use the system at home via the AC adapter as a stand alone unit or as a DVD/VHS player, etc. etc. Quite versatile.

Now for the negative:

Overall, there are not too many weak points apparent with the system. It is pretty big and heavy, mostly due to the VHS player. And because of the overall size you may think that it would be inconvenient to haul with you on a plane. We tried it and by storing the base unit under the seat and detaching the screen to tuck into the pocket of the seat in front of you it’s actually pretty convenient. Although you will need a power source to do this. If you don’t have a standard power outlet or AC plug available you can find pretty inexpensive power sources these days that would power this unit for at least a few hours. Unfortunately, there is not a built-in power supply.

At the end of the day I think it was a worthwhile puchase. I would recommend the device for someone not looking to spend an insane amount of money but that wants a quality product with a lot of options. For long road trips with kids, this device is priceless. I even bought one for my mom.

Also, Keep in mind that when this unit first hit the shelves it sold for around $800-$900. So at the current price, you really do get a lot of bang for your buck…